May 22 How to know if a trend is "for you"

Trends. Is this a daunting or exhausting word to you? I used to think so!

It just seemed exhausting having to buy pieces that you probably wouldn’t be using a year or two after you bought them. UGHHH... The thought that I was buying something that only had ‘temporary value’ didn’t seem the help the cause of building my dream closet.

I remember after college, I had a very hippie/bohemian phase. Everything had to be flowy, shapeless, ripped, or look like it was made by someone at Woodstock.

(Don't judge... I know... "Meghan, what were you thinking?")

So, I was stuck in this anti-trend (yes, I did it before it was popular and enjoyed being the pariah) for some time, and eventually, my wardrobe was filled with clothes like this.

But then...

THENNNNNNN!!!

The Bohemian trend all of the sudden went crazy. Everyone was doing it! Anthropologie went from quirky, vintage to hippie festival girl. Nordstrom Rack was filled with Free People, shapeless tops, and headbands. Even J. Crew could be spotted selling breezy tops with embroidered patchwork.

What. the. heck.

Here I was thinking I was so original and unique - going ‘against’ the typical fashion trend… AND THE HIPPIE TREND WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE.

I was furious!!!! I felt like people thought I was a SELL-OUT and COPYING everyone else.

Here i was trying to be so “against” fashion, that my Look backfired when this trend came back in. I was SO MAD.

GYAHH!!!

Anyways… I got over that one.

But over the years, I’ve learned that trends can actually be a fun way and a language to join the culture. Or, as Catholic women like you and me are discovering, certain trends can be counter-culture... making them even more incredibly fun and enjoyable.

My problem was that I was taking fashion too seriously. Fashion really is fun, and it doesn't need to be so internalized about its inherent value. Nor do we have to be boxed into the stereotypical modest look with zero color, zero style, and zero uniqueness.

But get this- 80% of someone’s first impression is based off of what they’re wearing…. ummmmm HELLOOOOOO!!

That’s definitely something to note when we’re evangelizing the culture… Am I right???!!! Catholic women have to stand out and show the world the true meaning of being beautiful, dignified, and faith-driven. We must know when to follow a trend, and when to ditch it.

Okay, so enough of the chit chat... I mean business : ) ... let’s talk fashion and get to some practicality. When is the right time to follow a trend? How do you know if it’s for you or just make you look silly?

Here are 7 questions to ask yourself when to follow a trend

Why are you drawn to follow this trend? (and “it’s cute” IS a sufficient answer)

Does the trend flatter your body type? If so... how and what part?

Is the trend age appropriate?

Is it practical money wise for you?

Is the trend modest? (the skirts don't necessarily need to be ankle length... but we all know when something is just showing too much.)

Does the trend reflect the woman you are? (I strongly recommend reading St John Paul II's beautiful letter to women - you can read it here)

Does it involve pieces that you can ‘rework’ with other parts of your closet?

If you answered "yes" to these questions- then you're SPOT ON with your style. If you answered "no" then, well... you get the point. Annnnd, if you're not sure- send me an email and I'd love to help you : )

Pearl embellishments are a HUGE trend this Spring. But I know I'll always wear this top as it's a timeless cut (that suits my body type) and I am ALWays in the mood to wear pearls (especially if it's in a quirky way). So this Zara top was a definite win for me. It lets my have fun with a trend, but it's something I know I'll always enjoy in my closet : )